Filner imposes moratorium on city worker travel

Mayor Bob Filner issued a temporary ban on city employee business trips on Wednesday until the city’s “weak travel policy” is strengthened to be more respectful of taxpayer dollars.

Shortly after taking office on Dec. 3, Filner said he reviewed the travel policy after reading repeated media reports of extravagant travel costs at other agencies.

“I don’t want to be blindsided by a travel story,” Filner said.

The Watchdog has reported this year that port commissioners and senior port executives regularly fly first class and stay at top hotels while traveling on public business, even as the agency has made cuts to personnel and services. Additionally, airport executives have flown to Sinagapore, Geneva, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and other destinations without the government per-diem limits that affect airport board members.

Although the new mayor said he has not discovered inappropriate business expenses by city employees, the policy lacks “a proper respect for the use of public funds.”

Filner said San Diego’s travel protocol’s are far more lenient than are the rules for members of Congress. The mayor wants to consider requiring travelers to provide receipts and justifications for trips that explain how the city would benefit. He may also call for a universal travel policy for local public agencies, such as the port and the airport authority.

The city travel policy does include per diem caps for employees and other restrictions, said the city’s chief operating officer, Jay Goldstone.

Even so, city employees are to be notified of the travel moratorium this week. Previously approved trips and excursions that could result in the city saving money would be allowed. The ban is expected to remain for 60 to 90 days.